New Concept in Retirement Living Offers Best of Freedom and Security

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Individuals age 60 and older will find modern conveniences and the comforts of home in the new Townhomes at Sycamore Square, without a long-term financial commitment or the hassles of home ownership. Masonic Villages is testing this new concept in retirement living at its Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, location.

Smart Cottage at Masonic Village

We wanted to design a living option with amenities more active adults are looking for, and peel away those that they have no need for just yet, but will still have access to in the future.

According to Kelly Eakin, director of sales and marketing at the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown, individuals age 60 and older may have grown children, be financially comfortable, in good health, itching to travel and ready to focus on themselves again. The only thing holding them back is their home. While filled with memories and pride, a home is also overflowing with potential repairs and upkeep.

In the past, living options for retirees, or those soon-to-be, included staying in their home, searching for a 55+ community expecting to save expenses or renting an apartment.

Another popular option, traditional continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) offer retirement living accommodations with the guarantee that if long-term care is needed, it’s available at any time. The higher cost of this option reflects the guarantee of health care services, which provides peace of mind, but may not be a priority for a 60-year-old who is in prime health, active and possibly looking to re-locate again in his or her lifetime.

The Townhomes at Sycamore Square offer a unique option for individuals who aren’t ready to commit long term to a CCRC. Currently being pre-marketed on the campus of the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown, each townhome will offer between 1,275 and 1,447 square feet of modern, spacious, maintenance-free living. Features include smart home technologies, open floor plans, trending design, an attached private garage with storage and a patio or balcony.

“We wanted to design a living option with amenities more active adults are looking for, and peel away those that they have no need for just yet, but will still have access to in the future,” Eakin said.

The townhomes will be located just across the street from an Amtrak station, making it easy to commute for work or travel. Masonic Village’s campus also offers more than nine miles of walking paths, tennis courts, beautiful gardens and ponds, three pools, a chapel and an on-site Farm Market.

Residents of the Townhomes at Sycamore Square pay a residency fee, which offers a guaranteed 90 percent refund if and when they desire to move again, and they won’t be responsible for selling the townhome.

A monthly service fee covers interior and exterior home repairs and maintenance, 5-year service package on furnished appliances, property taxes, water and sewer, trash removal, landscaping, snow removal, security, scheduled transportation on campus and membership to the Baird Wellness Center. For an additional charge, residents can enjoy discounted dining at seven campus restaurants and a tavern and participate in wellness and lifelong learning programs.

For Jeff and Susan Kemmerer, of Hershey, Pennsylvania, this new townhome concept is ideal. Jeff retired from The Hershey Company and runs his own consulting business. Sue is also retired, but keeps busy with many hobbies. They have a home in North Carolina and wanted a maintenance-free home to return to in Pennsylvania.

“As we entered our 60s, we have focused on planning our future, and the Masonic Village quickly became our first choice for active living as we enjoy years post retirement,” Jeff said. “The option to engage with the community and residents via a variety of residential options, including the new townhomes, will enable us to invest in our future village living prior to the continuum opportunity. The first class facilities, support staff, friendly, energetic environment and beautiful campus are all important ingredients. We are excited that the new townhomes will meet our current needs.”

Masonic Village could break ground on the townhomes as early as spring 2018, with occupancy in spring 2019. Find more information about the Townhomes at Sycamore Square online, by email or by calling 717-361-5534.